Spiral tool-path generation with constant scallop height for sheet metal CNC incremental forming

Abstract

A spiral tool-path generation method with constant scallop height for the sheet metal CNC incremental forming was proposed based on triangular mesh model. On the basis of the curvatures estimation of triangular mesh model, the calculation method of spiral tool-path interval with constant scallop height was discussed. Moreover, the algorithms for generation of spiral drive path using the polygon boundary of the triangular mesh model undersurface and the method of spiral paths propagation according to the spiral drive path were also presented. The case study shows that the proposed method can automatically generate smooth and continuous spiral tool path with constant scallop height according to the given scallop height and tool radius; in addition, the simulation model is nearly identical to the test model. The developed software system runs steadily and reliably. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2010.